Anderson Silva had successful surgery on his broken left leg

Anderson Silva suffered a broken leg last night in the main event of UFC 168 against Chris Weidman and was immediately taken to a local Las Vegas hospital to have surgery on his left leg. UFC 168

The surgery was performed by Dr. Steven Sanders, who is the UFC’s Orthopedic Surgeon and the surgery was a success.

The UFC issued a statement on the status of Silva on early Sunday morning and Dr. Sanders inserted an intramedullary rod into Silva’s left tibia.

“Following Saturday evening’s UFC 168 main event, former champion Anderson Silva was taken to a local Las Vegas hospital where he underwent surgery to repair a broken left leg,” the UFC statement said.  The successful surgery, performed by Dr. Steven Sanders, the UFC’s Orthopedic Surgeon, inserted an intramedullary rod into Anderson’s left tibia.”

“The broken fibula was stabilized and does not require a separate surgery. Anderson will remain in the hospital for a short while, but no additional surgery is scheduled at this time. Recovery time for such injuries may vary between three and six months.”

“Anderson is deeply touched by the outpouring of support from his fans and the entire MMA community. There has been no immediate decision about his future, and he would kindly ask for privacy at this time as he deals with his injury and prepares to return home to recover.”

Silva is now the second UFC fighter to suffer this type of an injury as it happened to Corey Hill in 2008. Hill was out for over a year from his injury and continues to compete today in the Florida based promotion, Xtreme Fighting Championships. Silva is 38 years old and last night could end up being the last time MMA fans see him inside the cage.